Ukraine-born Karolina Shiino Resigns as Miss Japan Amid Affair Controversy

Karolina Shiino relinquishes her Miss Japan title after a tabloid report exposes her affair with a married man, sparking debate over her eligibility and Japanese identity.

• Karolina Shiino, 26, the first person of European descent to win Miss Japan, steps down following revelations of an affair with a married man.
• The controversy began shortly after Shiino, a naturalized Japanese citizen born in Ukraine, was crowned Miss Japan on January 22.
• A local magazine's exposé led to public outcry and debate over Shiino's representation of traditional Japanese beauty ideals.
• Shiino apologizes for the 'huge trouble' caused and for betraying her supporters, as the Miss Japan title remains vacant for the rest of the year.
• The incident reignites discussions on Japanese identity, with Shiino's win initially celebrated for challenging conventional views on nationality and beauty.

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BBC South China Morning Post The Japan Times